04/17/2026
April 11-17, 2026 is Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW). In 2025, one of my patients asked me to be present during her birthing process, as she had no family or friends to support her physically & emotionally. As she was whisked away for her pre-planned C-section, I snapped this picture because I immediately thought about the number of moms who have no support while giving birth.
Pregnancy and childbirth are statistically more dangerous for Black women in the U.S., and it’s a serious, well-documented public health issue, as these women are about 2–3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes due to postpartum care gaps, unequal access to care, & implicit bias in healthcare. While my role of providing emotional support in this capacity may be deemed as unconventional to some, my “yes” to be present was driven by the need for advocacy, emotional support, evidence-based care, & the love that I have for my patients. -S.L.
This week, and every week, we honor the strength, resilience, and voices of Black mothers. We acknowledge the reality that Black women continue to face disproportionately higher risks during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
Listening matters. Advocacy matters. Access to quality, respectful healthcare matters.
Let’s amplify stories and push for real change in maternal health outcomes, including perinatal mental health care, because every mother deserves to feel safe, heard, and cared for.
